Health watchdog ranks three surgeries high risk

The health watchdog has published a map of GPs surgeries based on the risk of providing poor care.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) applied rankings of one to six, with one being the highest risk, to GP surgeries across the country, in a move criticised by doctors.

Mirfield Health Centre, West Park Surgery, in West Park Street, Dewsbury, and The New Brewery Lane Surgery, in Brewery Lane, Thornhill Lees, were given ratings of one.

But the CQC’s methods were called into question by a senior partner at Mirfield Health Centre who said they gave an unfair impression of services.

Dr Pitt Pieske said: “I am disappointed because the information used is nearly six months old and that was the lowest point that this practice has had.

“We have worked hard over the last four or five months and in my opinion we have achieved a lot. We have a better appointments system, we have better facilities and to get that rating when you have worked hard feels like a slap in the face.

“The CQC obviously needs to make its point, but in May we were at rock bottom and we have improved a lot since.”

The CQC’s map system categorises surgeries based on a range of criteria, and is used to help target and prioritise its inspections rather than being a direct indicator of bad practice.

You can search for your local GP surgery at or find more information at www.cqc.org.uk/content/our-intelligent-monitoring-gp-practices.